Conversations is a selection of diverse displays from the IMMA Collection that present the idea of dialogue on a number of levels: between ‘then’ and ‘now’ in artists’ work at different times in their career; and works that encourage exchange between the Collection, artists, their work and the viewer.

Certain rooms focus on individual commemorative works such as the The Great Wallenda (Cabinet Version), 1997-98 by João Penalva, and Sean Scully’s Dorothy, 2003, in memory of Dorothy Walker. While other rooms draw out shared concerns such as the grouping of conceptual and feminist works by Elaine Reichek and Helen Chadwick.

Another strand of programming focuses on specific moments, events and individuals in the story of cultural production in Ireland, namely the contribution of David Hendriks to the development of art in Ireland during the 1960s and 70s, and the commitment and enthusiasm of George and Maura McClelland as collectors and promoters of Irish art.

A  selection of works here on the corridor by Brian Maguire, Guggi, Mary A. Kelly and Barrie Cooke exemplify how certain works are acquired for the IMMA Collection. Barrie Cooke’s Bone Boxes, dating from the 1970s, and two more recent paintings, pay tribute to his recent passing.

Alphabetical list of artists: Valerio Adami, Enrico Baj, Robert Ballagh, Barrie Cooke, Helen Chadwick, Guggi, Allen Jones, Mary A. Kelly, Brian Maguire, Colin Middleton, François Morellet, Mark O’Kelly, João Penalva, Elaine Reichek, Bridget Riley, William Scott, Sean Scully, Peter Sedgley, Jesús Rafael Soto, Hannah Starkey, Bert Stern, Victor Vasarely, Alexandra Wejchert, Richard Wentworth, Elinor Wiltshire, Paul Winstanley.